Ben Graham carved out one of the most unique careers in world sport, achieving success at the highest level in both Australian football (AFL) and American football (NFL).

A former Captain, Best & Fairest and member of the Hall Of Fame of the Geelong Football Club, Graham played 219 AFL games and led the Cats during an era when leadership and toughness defined the club’s identity. During his AFL career he became known for his enormous kicking power — a skill that later helped him transition to a new career later in life.

Graham was selected in Geelong’s “Team of the Century” squad and captained the club through a difficult rebuilding period before the Cats’ eventual premiership dominance in later years. 

His AFL journey reached its pinnacle in the historic 1995 AFL Grand Final, where Geelong faced powerhouse Carlton on the sport’s biggest stage.

After retiring from the AFL, Graham then reinvented himself in an entirely different code, transitioning to the NFL at the age of 31 as a punter — a move almost unheard of for an Australian athlete at the time. He went on to play for and Captain the New York Jets and later the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl and once held the record for the most inside 20 punts in National Football League history during his international football journey. Graham also played for the New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions. 

Graham’s appearance in Super Bowl XLIII helped open the door for future Australian punters and kickers to pursue NFL careers. Today, dozens of Australians have followed the pathway he helped pioneer. 

What truly sets Ben Graham apart is a distinction unmatched in sporting history: he remains the only athlete ever named captain of both an AFL club and an NFL team. From the roar of the MCG to the spectacle of the Super Bowl, Graham’s journey stands as a testament to adaptability, resilience, and elite leadership across two of the world’s toughest football codes.

From captaining Geelong at the MCG to punting on the NFL’s grandest stage, Ben Graham forged one of the most extraordinary dual-code careers in sporting history.

Following his groundbreaking playing career, Graham transitioned into sports media and mentoring, becoming a respected commentator and ambassador for both AFL and NFL pathways. His work helping young Australians pursue American football opportunities has further cemented his legacy as a pioneer who changed the perception of what Australian athletes could achieve internationally

From a media perspective, Graham serves as a prominent expert, host, and commentator for Channel 7, leading the network's NFL coverage on shows like NFL Tailgate (formerly Armchair Experts). He also is the SEN Radio Network’s NFL expert providing hosting and expert analysis on its broadcasting of NFL on radio in Australia including calling the Super Bowl with Gerard Whately.

Complimenting his media appearances Graham has become a highly sought after keynote speaker covering topics such as leadership, overcoming adversity, relatable anecdotes when moving a young family overseas and the portable skills required in sport and business. Graham's business career spans 25 years including owning and operating establishments in hospitality and aged care sectors and a sports administrator in the AFL (Western Bulldogs).